The Galion Fire and EMS Department was formed in 1842 as a group of volunteers dedicated to protecting their community from fires. The mission, according to Chief Phil Jackson, is unchanged in the department's 176-year history: “To protect lives and property from the adverse effects of fires, sudden medical emergencies and exposure to hazardous conditions. We will achieve this by developing, promoting and maintaining effective fire suppression and emergency medical care. We will continue to provide these quality services through education and training, to all who live, work, visit or invest here.”

The Niagara brand hand cart was purchased in 1856, and the volunteers formed the Niagara Fire Company with Andrew Poe serving as the first foreman. Galion’s first fire station was built in the 1860s at West Atwood and South Market streets for $3,485. The station was operated by the Niagara Fire Company and the building also served as the city jail. Galion bought its first steam fire engine in 1872.

The city constructed a new office building in 1876 where the current municipal building stands, 301 Harding Way East. It was constructed for $84,500 and a fire station was included, with the fire truck bays facing Harding Way. The name changed in 1881 to Galion Hook and Ladder Company, also called Hoover Hook and Ladder Company, with 22 men serving. The city used federal funds in 1939, part of the WPA of the second New Deal, to construct a new municipal building. Prior to the overpass being built, a second station was built in 1973 at Murray and Walnut streets, now used for storage.

The worst fire in Galion’s history occurred in 1901 and destroyed half a city block, including the Central Ohio Buggy Company, meat market, laundry service, inn and several homes. It took three full companies of volunteers, a relief pumper, and two horse carts to battle the blaze.

In December 1958, a fire destroyed another notable manufacturing facility, the Freese Works building on South Street. The Galion Inquirer on March 18, 1989, said the fire started in an overhead gas heating unit and quickly spread through the heavily-timbered interior of the building: “Led by Chief John A. Durtschi, the Galion fire department had eight lines of hose from four hydrants pumping water at 2,000 to 3,000 gallons a minute on the 50-foot flames.”

A1984 fire destroyed Flannery’s Antique Store Fixtures and Equipment, 219 West Church Street. A newspaper photo became well-known for displaying what looks like a face within the smoke cloud. The neighboring school children helped and Bucyrus’s Gordon Grove was nearly killed while on the ladder when a ball of fire shot out.

The department is led by Chief Phil Jackson, promoted in July 2011. There are 15 full-time firefighter/paramedic personnel and one captain/fire inspector. The department is at the same staffing levels as it was before implementing ambulance response into its everyday operations. Primary services besides fire and EMS are, fire code enforcement, fire prevention, hazardous materials response, and the Crawford County Water Rescue Team. The department also provides protection to Polk Township with an agreement in place since at least 1942. They also participate in mutual aid with various surrounding cities and townships.

The fleet includes a 2002, 2,500-gallon general pumper tanker, 2012 KME pumper, 2015 Sutphen aerial truck with 78-foot ladder, three ambulances, including two road rescue units purchased in 2017, the county dive team and trailer, rescue boat, and a grass fire slide in unit.

The staff has worked diligently over the past several years to improve the efficiency of operations, including equipment maintenance, staff training and record keeping. This led to the department improving its ISO rating from a Class 5 to a Class 3 in 2017, potentially lowering insurance rates in the Galion area. Galion Fire & EMS responded to 2,482 calls in 2017, including 1,808 EMS calls and 674 fire-related calls, compared to 1,758 total calls in 2011. Polk Township represents 229 of those calls, making it the busiest township in Crawford County.

Matt Echelberry, communications director for the City of Galion, said the department offers free reflective house signs, periodic smoke detectors and replacement lithium batteries to residents of Galion and Polk Township. Every year they organize a Fire Safety Week for local elementary schools and participate in the police department’s Safety Town for children going into kindergarten. These are great opportunities to utilize a mobile learning unit, a small trailer that contains “fire hazards” and simulates how to exit the home when there is smoke. The department staff regularly gives safety presentations to local organizations, offers fire extinguisher training to businesses, and brings vehicles to community events when possible.

Readers if you are interested in sharing a story write Mary Fox, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820 or email littlefoxfactory@columbus.rr.com.